Ranging from one to three miles, these runs push for participants to leave their comfort zone and have a fun, social experience while getting healthy

Sydney Conrad
Staff Writer

As the sun peaks its way through the dark Washington skies, students are wondering what to do with a warm, beautiful day.

Events such as the Color Run, the Cupcake Backwards Mile and the Top Pot Doughnut Dash are the perfect activities for a day in the sun.

Beginning near the end of April, these runs occur frequently.

Although most people see running as a monotonous, difficult sport, it is more like a social activity for these events.

Although there are many small runs taking place over the summer, there are a few that even non-runners would have a blast participating in.

Reaching out to all people, not just racers, the Color Run creates a fun environment that is being held all across the country.

Coming to Seattle on May 13, this run is advertised clearly as a social gathering, one that spreads the colors of summer to all participants.

According to the Color Run website [the colorrun.com], “whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the three miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a very long time.”

To add an extra punch to this activity, not only will the contestants be sweating by the finish, but they will be decorated in four different colors.

Each kilometer conquered in this run will induce a splash of colored powder on each participant.

Another enjoyable race in the sun takes place on April 14 in Tumwater.

This event is unlike the last in that the entire race is done backwards.

Advertised as the Cupcake Classic Backwards Mile, this event will be an entertainment to all.

Like the Color Run, people are not expected to be great athletes, but simply to come out and have a good time doing an unusual sport.

Sign-ups for this event can be done the day of or online at www.guerrillarunning. com.

Finally, a coffee shop that has been featured on the Food Network is sponsoring a five-kilometer (about three miles) dash around Greenlake Park on April 29.

Top Pot is a quaint coffee shop that is known not only for their tantalizing espresso drinks, but for their homemade, one-of-a kind doughnuts.

As it is a shorter distance, this race is also expected to be an enjoyable gathering with a bit of physical activity mixed in.

Groups are encouraged to come see the beautiful scenery of Greenlake with their friends and family.

Sign-ups for this dash can be made online or the day of the event for a low price of $35 each.

This will include the runner’s packet and materials, as well as a special treat, according to promotionevents.com:

“Each registered runner will receive a limited edition Top Pot Doughnut Dash t-shirt.”

So as the sun shines down on Washington for the next few months, don’t spend all your time inside.

Get out and get active with these fun events.